Today is National Voter Registration Day – You Know What to Do

Hey you – yes, I am talking to you. You, who is interested in politics and who feels a strong desire to keep Trump (and even Clinton) far away from the White House, but who hasn’t done the one vital thing necessary to do your part.

Register to vote.

In the United States, there are 218,959,000 Americans who are eligible to vote – they are older than 18 and they are not barred from voting by any state laws or regulations. But despite this large number, only about 146,311,000 voters are actually registered. That leaves 72,648,000 people in the United States who are eligible to vote, but for whatever reason, are not registered.

In other words, more than 1 in 4 Americans are not registered to vote – and that’s a problem.

The reasons for not being registered are varied, but there are some clear trends in those who choose to stay out of politics. Most glaring is the age gap. While only 58.5 percent of those age 18-24 are registered voters, 78.1 percent of those 65-74 are registered.

More women are registered than men, more white people are registered than black people, and the comparisons continue. Only half of those who didn’t graduate high school are registered, while a full 85 percent of those with advanced degrees are. Even whether or not you rent or own your home can have a 14-percent discrepancy in voter registration.

When you look at these factors, it’s clear that “just register,” is maybe not as simple as it seems.

Nevertheless, if you aren’t registered to vote, take a look at what’s happening around you. Take a close look at the corruption and anger your nation is embroiled in and then take action.

Sydney Robinson is a political writer for the Ring of Fire Network. She has also appeared in political news videos for Ring of Fire. Sydney has a degree in English Literature from the University of West Florida, and has an active interest in politics, social justice, and environmental issues. She would love to hear from you on Twitter
@SydneyMkay or via email at srobinson@ringoffireradio.com